Many Republicans are questioning why the Department of Justice was not involved in overseeing the search for classified documents when it had previously issued a warrant that allowed the FBI to search former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
According to a new report the DOJ considered whether they should follow a similar process, but upon discussing the case with President Joe Biden’s personal lawyer, they decided not to follow such a policy.
The first batch of classified documents found in Biden’s possession was discovered in his private office in the Penn Biden Center on Nov. 2. Since then, two additional batches were located in his Wilmington, Delaware, home.
According to the Wall Street Journal Report which came out on Tuesday, Biden’s lawyers had convinced the Department of Justice that it was not necessary for them to be involved in the search, because after the first batch had been discovered, both the National Archives and the Department of Justice had been notified immediately. As a result, both sides agreed that Biden’s personal attorneys could continue the search for classified documents on their own.
Still, this is a decision that many have criticized as Biden’s personal lawyers don’t have the required authorization to be looking through classified documents.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has also appointed a special counsel, Robert Hur, to oversee the case of Biden’s classified documents. Robert Hur will also handle any interviews and other requirements of the investigation.
